1. The Rules of the Comma English Brushup 4 th edition

2. 5 Rules to the Comma Use a comma: Between items in a series After introductory material Around words that interrupt the flow of a sentence Between complete thoughts connected by joining word With direct quotations

3. 1. Between Items in a Series Bears, chipmunks, raccoons, and groundhogs all hibernate during the winter. Felipe groaned when he learned that his exams in biology, economics, and sociology were scheduled for the same day. The mechanic started the engine, fiddled with the fan belt, and announced that the problem was solved. *Do not use a comma when the series contains only two items: The mechanic started the engine and fiddled with the fan belt.

4. Practice (items in a series) 1. Most communities now recycle newspapers aluminum and plastic 2. Walking bicycling and swimming are all good aerobic exercises. 3. We collected the kids loaded the van and set off for the amusement park. 4. Signs of burnout include insomnia inability to concentrate and depression.

5. 2. After Introductory Material A comma is used to separate introductory material from the rest of the sentence. If you were reading the sentence aloud you would probably pause slightly at the end of the intro material, where the comma belongs. Although the country issues a large number of jury-duty notices, many people find reasons not to serve. Pushing and laughing, the second graders spilled onto the playground. In the middle of the thunderstorm, all the lights on our street went out.

6. Practice (after intro material) 1. During the first-aid course one student accidentally broke her finger. 2. When the power went back on all the digital clocks in the house began to blink. 3. Pausing in the doorway the actress smiled warmly at the photographers. 4. After waiting in line for two hours the students were told that the cafeteria was closed.

7. 3. Around Words that Interrupt the Flow of a Sentence These words often give extra information to the reader but is not essential to the structure of the sentence. My brother, who is very neat, complains that I am too messy. Frozen yogurt, which is relatively low in calories, is as delicious to many people as ice cream. The Beatles, who originally called themselves the Quarrymen, released twenty-nine single records in their first year.

8. Practice (words interrupting the flow of a sentence) 1. The owner of the blue Ford grumbling angrily came out to move his car. 2. Our house which was built in 1975 needs a new roof and insulation. 3. The house’s storm windows though area in pretty good condition.

9. 4. Between Complete Thoughts Connected by a Joining Word When two complete thoughts are combined into one sentence it is called a compound sentence. A comma and these joining words connect the two parts. They were five stranger stuck in an elevator, so they told each other jokes to ease the tension. Money may not buy happiness, but it makes misery a lot more comfortable. Ved has a restaurant job this summer, and his sister has an office position.

10. Practice (between complete thoughts) 1. Someone had broken into the house but nothing had been taken. 2. Melba wasn’t wearing her glasses so she couldn’t read the fine print. 3. I used to be able to type very quickly but no I’m out of practice. 4. Frequent TV watchers pend less time interacting with friends and family and their reading is often limited to magazines such as TV guide.

11. 5. With Direct Quotations A comma is used to separate directly quoted material from the rest of the sentence. When the comma is placed at the end of a quotation it is included within the quotation marks. Someone shouted, “Look out below!” The customer grumbled to the waiter, “This coffee tastes like mud.” “To learn more about lions,” the zookeeper told the children, “you should read the book Born Free.”

12. Practice (commas with quotes) 1. When the bank robber Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed the banks, he replied “Because that’s where the money is.” 2. “Only 15 minutes until this class ends” Sharon whispered. 3. “We have everything for tall women” the mall store owner bragged “except tall men.” 4. “When you hear the beep, you know what to do” says the message on my friend’s answering machine.